Turks & Caicos Freedom Fighter Joins the Ancestors

Prominent pastor found dead in Turks and Caicos Islands

Reverend Dr. Conrad Howell

Reverend Dr. Conrad Howell, a prominent pastor, talk-show host and author of the Turks and Caicos Islands' national song, was found dead early on Saturday September 12th, after his wife reported him missing on Thursday.

Howell's body was found in bushes near his home in Blue Mountain, Providenciales, following a massive search that was carried out by scores of residents and police. Foul play is suspected, police said.

Howell was last seen by his wife at their home sometime around midnight on Thursday September 10th, 2015. 

His wife told police she awoke around 2 a.m. and discovered that he was not at home.

In a Facebook post after he went missing, his wife Brikell Howell wrote: "It is out of character for reverend Conrad Howell not to be in contact with his family. Therefore the family is concerned that we have not seen him since last night. He was wearing a black pants, white singlet and socks. Should anyone see him or know of his whereabouts please contact the police or one of the family members."

Commenting on the tragic death, Premier, Hon. Dr. Rufus W. Ewing said, "Our nation has suffered a tremendous loss. Rev. Howell, as he was known to many, was a true patriot to our country and a soldier for our people. During his lifetime, he has made an invaluable contribution to the development of our society we are truly blessed to have known the late Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell and he will be greatly missed. As the host of the popular Radio Talk Show, Expressions, Rev. Howell also stirred dialogue and national debate on some of the most controversial topics of our time but one of Rev. Howell's most notable national accomplishments is the penning of the National Song This Land Of Ours."

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Reverend Howell was a consistent presentor in proceedings of the United Nations Decolonisation Committee at its regional seminars in the Spring of each year, and its regular sessions each June. He had also was a consistent speaker to the United Nations Special Political and Decolonisation Committee, and  was an avid supporter of a robust role of the United Nations in the decolonisation of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He was expected to continue his advocacy work at the 2015 proceedings in October. His last U.N. statement can be read here. 

The struggle continues! May he rest well. 

OTR